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James O'Halloran

Jim has been employed as a teacher/disciplinarian for the Elizabeth Public School System for the past 32 years.

During this time, he coached football for 20 years, serving as an assistant coach on all levels, his last stint as the defensive coordinator. His most successful years were under Coach Jerry Moore, when they captured sectional titles in 1988, 1997, 1999, and 2000. Jim, better known as Coach "O" on the field, was blessed with the duties of defensive coordinator and coached the linebackers on defense and assisted Tim McManus with the offensive line.

Jim also coached track and field for 25 years, working with both the boys and girls teams in the throwing events. Jim was asked to serve as the throws coach for Coach Dave Costello in the spring of 1979. During Jim's tenure, the throwers placed first in numerous conference, county, invitational, and state competitions. When Tim McManus became the head coach of the girl's team, the two squads practiced together. Jim teamed with McManus to develop some outstanding girls who went on to make a name for themselves setting and breaking school records. The boy's teams won more titles than can be remembered, but two years stand out. They won the Group 4 outdoor championships in 1988 and 1998. Coach O's last year of coaching, Kiki Gonzalez set the school record in the discus and was named as a high school All-American.

As Jim's coaching success grew so did the recognition. Jim was asked to coach girl's basketball under the tutelage of Coach Bob Firestone. At first, Jim thought Coach Firestone was crazy, because Jim didn't know much about the game of basketball. What followed was the greatest compliment Jim ever received. Firestone said, "I'll teach you the game, you KNOW how to coach". So, Jim's basketball coaching career began and father of four boys suddenly had 20 to 30 "daughters".

Jim served as the JV coach for nine years and the varsity assistant for one. During this time the girl's varsity program exploded onto the map as a formidable opponent and captured conference, county and state titles. The 1995-96 teams claimed the group 4 state title. Jim's JV team also was able to claim three county titles in 1999, 2000 and 2001.

During his coaching career, Jim was blessed with working under hall of fame coaches-Jerry Moore, Dave Costello, and Bob Firestone. These three leaders gave Jim the opportunity and responsibility to work with some outstanding athletes. Many of the students/athletes that Jim coached reached post-season accolades for all Conference, All County or All State recognition.

The reason for Jim's success starts in the home. His beautiful wife, Carol gave him all the support he needed. She raised their four sons: John, Kyle, Brian and Keith, into wonderful young men. She had the tasks of taxi driver for soccer, football, wrestling, baseball, band and golf practices. In addition, boy scouts, CCD, and all the regular duties that goes along with raising boys.

Jim and Carol are also the proud grandparents of three beautiful grandchildren. Jim's son John and his wife, Melissa have a son Christian and a daughter Riley. While his son Kyle and his wife Susan have a daughter Sadie.

Jim would like to extend his gratitude to his family and friends for their love and encouragement, as well as the hall of fame committee for bestowing this honor.